U.S. patent application number 11/804584 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for vehicular component apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Justoy Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin.
Application Number | 20070290179 11/804584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38719431 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070290179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hedley; Robert Ian ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Vehicular component apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a
vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like,
particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The
apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling
device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be
moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped
chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at
least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200)
is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component
handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape
to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular
component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm
(220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to
an upper end of the vehicular component.
Inventors: |
Hedley; Robert Ian;
(Milbrodale, AU) ; Whybin; Christopher Nash;
(Newstead, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Clifford C. Dougherty, III;McAfee & Taft
Tenth Floor, Two Leadership Square
211 North Robinson
Oklahoma City
OK
73102
US
|
Assignee: |
Justoy Pty Ltd.
Mt. Thorley via Singleton
AU
|
Family ID: |
38719431 |
Appl. No.: |
11/804584 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
254/133R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66C 23/48 20130101;
B66F 9/06 20130101; B60B 29/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
254/133.00R |
International
Class: |
B66F 3/00 20060101
B66F003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 18, 2006 |
AU |
2006902682 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a
vehicular component of a vehicle, including: a carrier device, to
move said apparatus over a substrate surface; and, a component
handling device, attached to said carrier device, to receive and
support said vehicular component.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier device
includes: a substantially U-shaped chassis, having a pair of
outwardly extending arms extending from an intermediate spine; and
a wheel provided substantially at the extremity of each arm, and,
an intermediate wheel positioned below said spine.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said carrier device
further includes: an actuator associated with one or more of said
wheels, to rotate said respective wheel and thereby effect movement
of said carrier device.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein operation of said
actuator(s) is controlled remotely.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said carrier device
further includes: a coupling element associated with said spine of
said carrier device, to couple with a coupling member associated
with said component handling device, to thereby releasably couple
said component handling device to said carrier device.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said coupling
element is embodied as a hook, recess or the like, and said
coupling member is embodied as a lug or the like, or vice
versa.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component
handling device includes: a frame, of complementary shape to engage
with said chassis and which is adapted to provide support to a
lower portion of said vehicular component; and a support element
extending upwards from said frame, having at least one retaining
arm extending outwardly therefrom which is adapted to provide
support to an upper portion of said vehicular component; wherein,
said frame, said support element and said at least one retaining
arm define a cavity which is able to accommodate said vehicular
component.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said frame includes
a pair of outwardly extending support members each of which are
adapted to provide support to either side of a lower portion of
said vehicular component.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein each support member
is connected to said frame via an arm, to permit at least upward
movement of said support member.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said movement is
effected by a hydraulic, electrical or other actuator.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support member
includes a pair of retaining arm(s), each of which is adapted to
provide support to either side of an upper portion of said
vehicular component.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each retaining
arms includes an upper and outer arm portion, at least the outer
arm portion being operably movable to be capable of grasping said
vehicular component.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicular
component is a wheel/tyre.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support
elements including rollers thereon, such that when said wheel/tyre
is held in said apparatus, said wheel/tyre may be rotated on said
rollers within said component handling apparatus.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component
handling device includes: a frame of complementary shape to engage
with said chassis; and, a positionable station, having a platform
adapted to support a work tool, and, a positioning mechanism to
position said platform to thereby enable operation of said work
tool with said vehicular component.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said positioning
mechanism includes at least one hydraulic ram, electric motor or
like device.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further including a cradle
provided on said platform, said cradle adapted to receive a motor
or other vehicular component.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component
handling device is embodied as a jig assembly which includes: a
frame of complementary shape to engage with said chassis; and, a
jig head, operable by at least one actuator.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said platform is
provided with handrails and adapted to support an operator.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus that facilitates
interaction with vehicular components. In one non-limiting form,
the present invention relates to apparatus that facilitates
interaction with vehicular components for large vehicles, such as
those used in the mining industry.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Currently a number of apparatus are required to remove,
install, and/or change a vehicular component of a vehicle. For
example, a first apparatus may be required to uncouple coupling
elements of a vehicular component, another apparatus may be
required to receive the vehicular component, and, another apparatus
may be required to position a vehicular component for installation.
This number of apparatus can be costly, particularly for
specialised vehicles such as large vehicles used in such industries
as mining and the like.
[0003] Furthermore, problems can be experienced whilst removing,
installing and/or changing vehicular components for large vehicles
which may not be apparent for other forms of vehicular components.
For example, large vehicular components pose a serious danger to
operators due to the size of components. Injuries and fatalities
have occurred due to incorrect handling of such large vehicular
components. Furthermore, installing, removing and/or changing such
large vehicular components can cause enormous strain of an operator
due to the size of such components.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus which addresses
or at least ameliorates at least some of these problems inherent in
the prior art.
[0005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] In one broad form, the present invention provides an
apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular
component of a vehicle, including:
[0007] a carrier device, to move said apparatus over a substrate
surface; and,
[0008] a component handling device, attached to said carrier
device, to receive and support said vehicular component.
[0009] Preferably, said carrier device includes:
[0010] a substantially U-shaped chassis, having a pair of outwardly
extending arms extending from an intermediate spine; and
[0011] a wheel provided substantially at the extremity of each arm,
and, an intermediate wheel positioned below said spine.
[0012] Also preferably, said carrier device further includes:
[0013] an actuator associated with one or more of said wheels, to
rotate said respective wheel and thereby effect movement of said
carrier device.
[0014] Preferably, operation of said actuator(s) is controlled
remotely.
[0015] Also preferably, said carrier device further includes:
[0016] a coupling element associated with said spine of said
carrier device, to couple with a coupling member associated with
said component handling device, to thereby releasably couple said
component handling device to said carrier device.
[0017] Also preferably, said coupling element is embodied as a
hook, recess or the like, and said coupling member is embodied as a
lug or the like, or vice versa.
[0018] In a preferred form of the present invention, said component
handling device includes:
[0019] a frame, of complementary shape to engage with said chassis
and which is adapted to provide support to a lower portion of said
vehicular component; and
[0020] a support element extending upwards from said frame, having
at least one retaining arm extending outwardly therefrom which is
adapted to provide support to an upper portion of said vehicular
component;
[0021] wherein, said frame, said support element and said at least
one retaining arm define a cavity which is able to accommodate said
vehicular component.
[0022] Preferably, said frame includes a pair of outwardly
extending support members each of which are adapted to provide
support to either side of a lower portion of said vehicular
component.
[0023] Also preferably, each support member is connected to said
frame via an arm, to permit at least upward movement of said
support member.
[0024] Also preferably, said movement is effected by a hydraulic,
electrical or other actuator.
[0025] Preferably, said support member includes a pair of retaining
arm(s), each of which is adapted to provide support to either side
of an upper portion of said vehicular component.
[0026] Also preferably, each retaining arms includes an upper and
outer arm portion, at least the outer arm portion being operably
movable to be capable of grasping said vehicular component.
[0027] Preferably, said vehicular component is a wheel/tyre.
[0028] Also preferably, said support elements including rollers
thereon, such that when said wheel/tyre is held in said apparatus,
said wheel/tyre may be rotated on said rollers within said
component handling apparatus.
[0029] In another preferred form of the present invention, said
component handling device includes:
[0030] a frame of complementary shape to engage with said chassis;
and,
[0031] a positionable station, having a platform adapted to support
a work tool, and,
[0032] a positioning mechanism to position said platform to thereby
enable operation of said work tool with said vehicular
component.
[0033] Preferably, said positioning mechanism includes at least one
hydraulic ram, electric motor or like device.
[0034] Preferably the apparatus further includes a cradle provided
on said platform, said cradle adapted to receive a motor or other
vehicular component.
[0035] In another preferred form of the present invention, said
component handling device is embodied as a jig assembly which
includes:
[0036] a frame of complementary shape to engage with said chassis;
and,
[0037] a jig head, operable by at least one actuator.
[0038] Also preferably, said platform is provided with handrails
and adapted to support an operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0039] An example embodiment of the present invention should become
apparent from the following description, which is given by way of
example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described
in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example of the
carrier apparatus and a vehicular component handling device
coupleable to the carrier apparatus;
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and vehicular component handling device of FIG. 1
accommodating an exterior vehicular wheel;
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and vehicular component handling device of FIG. 1
accommodating an interior vehicular wheel;
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus of FIG. 1 and an example of a workbench which is
coupleable to the carrier apparatus;
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and workbench of FIG. 4 supporting a vehicular
component;
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus of FIG. 1 and an example of a jig assembly coupleable to
the carrier apparatus;
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and jig assembly of FIG. 6 supporting a vehicular
component;
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and jig assembly of FIG. 6 supporting another vehicular
component;
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus of FIG. 9 and an example of a positionable station
coupleable to the carrier apparatus;
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and the positionable station of FIG. 9 interacting with a
vehicular component in a first position;
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and the positionable station of FIG. 10 interacting with
a vehicular component in a second position;
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and the positionable station of FIG. 10 interacting with
a vehicular component in a third position; and,
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the carrier
apparatus and the positionable station of FIG. 10 interacting with
a vehicular component in a fourth position.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0053] The following modes, given by way of example only, are
described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the
subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.
[0054] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an
example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify
like parts throughout the figures.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a carrier apparatus
100 and a vehicular component handling device 200. The carrier
apparatus 100 is for coupling vehicular interactable equipment such
as the vehicular component handling device 200. Other forms of
vehicular interactable equipment can be coupled to the carrier
apparatus 100, as will be later apparent. The carrier apparatus 100
includes a coupling element 110 to couple the vehicular
interactable equipment to the carrier apparatus 100. The carrier
apparatus 100 includes a conveyance mechanism 120, 130 to convey
the carrier apparatus 100.
[0056] The coupling element 110 includes in one form, a recess 113
which engages with lugs provided on the vehicular interactable
equipment. The coupling element 110 can include a socket 116 to
further facilitate engagement of the vehicular interactable
equipment. The socket 116 be in electrical communication to a
control unit provided with the carrier apparatus which can provide
electrical control signals to the vehicular interactable equipment,
such as to control an operation of the vehicular interactable
equipment or the carrier apparatus 100.
[0057] The carrier apparatus 100 can include actuators 150 to cause
rotation of one or more wheels which form the conveyance mechanism
120, 130. In one form, the actuator 150 may be provided as a
hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement which is connected to
arms 140 of the carrier apparatus 100, and also to wheels 130. Each
wheel is pivotally mounted to an arm 140 of the carrier apparatus
100, such that actuation of the actuator 150 causes the wheel 130
to rotate. In one form, the actuators 150 on each arm 140 of the
carrier apparatus 100 operate simultaneously, such as to allow
steering of the carrier apparatus 100 over a surface.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance mechanism 120, 130 also
includes a rear wheel 120, which is pivotally mounted to the
carrier apparatus 100. The rear wheel 120 is located between the
arms 140 of the carrier apparatus 100. Due to the pivotal mounting
of the rear wheel 120, steering of the carrier apparatus is further
facilitated over the surface.
[0059] Referring now to the vehicular component handling device
200, it is adapted for receiving a vehicular component during acts
of installing, removing and/or changing vehicular components of a
vehicle. The vehicular component handling device 200 includes a
cavity defined by a support element 210 and at least one movable
retaining arm 220, wherein the cavity is able to accommodate the
vehicular component. The support element 210 and the at least one
movable retaining arm 220, are configured to restrict the vehicular
component toppling whilst the vehicular component is accommodated
within the cavity. This is particularly advantageous for vehicular
components of large vehicles such as those used in the mining
industry.
[0060] The retaining arms 220 of the vehicular component handling
device 200 include a rotational actuator 230 which, when actuated,
cause rotational movement of the retaining arms 220, such as to
retain or release a vehicular component in or from the cavity. The
retaining arm 220 can include an actuator 240 which allows the
retaining arm to extend or retract relative to the support element
210. The actuator 240 can be actuated to receive the vehicular
component in the cavity and clamp the vehicular component against
the support element 210.
[0061] The vehicular component handling device 200 includes a
movable support member 260 which extends from frame 270. The
movable support member 260 is pivotally connected to the frame 270
via actuator 250 and link member 255. The link member 255 and
actuator 250 are pivotally connected to the movable support member
260 and frame 270 via pivot points 258 and 257, respectively. When
the actuator 250 is actuated, the movable support member 260 moves
in an arc-like path where the support member 260 is raised above
the surface. By actuating actuators 250, the distance between the
support members increases or decreases accordingly, thus altering
the cavity for receiving the vehicular component. If a relatively
large vehicular component is to be received within the cavity, the
actuator 250 can be actuated to increase the distance between
support members 260, and also raise the support members 260
relative to the surface such that the large vehicular component can
be tight fittingly received within the cavity and also supported
above the surface.
[0062] The vehicular component handling device 200 includes a
coupling member 280 which extends from frame 270. The coupling
member 280 includes coupling lugs 283, which cooperate with
recesses 113 of the carrier apparatus 100, such that the carrier
apparatus 100 can manoeuvre the vehicular component handling device
200. The carrier apparatus 100 coupled to the vehicular component
handling device 200 is clearly shown in FIG. 2, where the vehicular
component handling device 200 receives an exterior vehicular wheel
310. As shown in FIG. 3, the support element and frame 270 define a
void which allows an engine 400, associated with an interior wheel
320, to protrude the void, allowing the interior wheel 320 to be
accommodated by the cavity of the vehicular component handling
device 200.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a work bench 500 which can be coupled with
carrier apparatus 100. In particular, the work bench 500 includes
platform 510 and coupling element 520. As shown in FIG. 5, the work
bench 500 is coupled to the carrier apparatus 100, where the
carrier apparatus is supporting a cradle 600 and engine 400. The
work bench 500 can include attachment means in order to attach the
cradle to the work bench 500. The cradle 600 can include support
members 610 which are shaped to accommodate the profile of the
engine 400.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows the carrier apparatus 100 and a jig assembly
700 which can be coupled to the carrier apparatus 100. The jig
assembly includes a jig head 710 which is movable in multiple
directions via actuation of actuators 720, 730 and 740. Actuation
of the actuators 720, 730 and 740 can cause alterations to the
pitch, roll and yaw of the jig head, as further explained in the
Applicant's application US2002/0150453, which is herein
incorporated by cross-reference.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows the carrier apparatus coupled to the jig
assembly 700. The jig assembly 700 can be used to manoeuvre a
vehicular component 800 as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the
carrier apparatus coupled to the jig assembly 700, where the jig
head 710 couples an arm 900 which cooperates with vehicular
component 800 such as a manoeuvre the vehicular component 800 into
a desired position.
[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates the carrier apparatus 100 and a
positionable station 1000 which allows interaction with a coupling
element 410 of a vehicular component. The positional station 1000
includes a platform 1010 which supports a worktool 1060 which is
interactable with the coupling element 410 of the vehicular
component. The positionable station 1000 also includes a
positioning mechanism 1020 to position the platform 1010 adjacently
to the coupling element of the vehicular component, thereby
allowing operation of the worktool 1060 with the coupling element
of the vehicular component. The positionable station 1000 also
includes coupling lugs 1030 which cooperate with recesses 130 of
the carrier apparatus 100. The positionable station 1000 can also
include guard rails 1050 which extend and surround the platform,
such that a user standing on the platform 1010 is restricted from
falling off the platform 1010 by the guard rails 1050.
[0067] FIG. 10 shows the carrier apparatus coupled to the
positionable station 1000. FIG. 10 also shows the worktool 1060
supported by the platform 1010, where the worktool interacts with a
vehicular component in the form of an engine 400. In this
particular instance, the coupling elements 410 of the vehicular
component can be considered nuts. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13,
actuation of the positioning mechanism 1020 causes the platform
1010 and worktool 1060 to move relative to the engine 400. The
positioning mechanism as shown in the Figures can include a pair of
moveable arms 1070 which extend from the platform 1010 and
pivotally connect to a support member 1090.
[0068] In one form, the moveable arms 1070 are rotatable.
Rotational movement of the arms 1070 cause rotational movement of
the platform 1010. Rotational movement of the arms 1070 can be
provided by rotational actuators 1095. The rotational actuators
1095 can be controlled by the control unit via the socket 116 of
the carrier apparatus 100. The control unit can be programmed to
move the platform 1010 in a circular movement around the
circumference of the engine 400 such as to position and align the
worktool 1060 adjacently to one of the coupling nuts 410 of the
vehicular component. The control unit can be programmed to actuate
the rotational actuators 1095 so as to rotationally move the
platform a predetermined circumferential distance so as to align
the worktool 1060 adjacently to one of the nuts 410 of the engine
400. Additionally or alternatively, the user can operate the
control unit such as to select a position which the arms 1070 are
to move the platform 1010.
[0069] The platform 1010 can include a worktool support member 1015
which supports the worktool 1060 from the platform 1010. Generally,
the worktool 1060 is relatively large comparatively to normal
equipment used for coupling and uncoupling nuts 410 of vehicular
components, and as such, the worktool support member 1015 reduces
any repetitive strain incurred by a user whilst operating the
worktool 1060. As can be seen in FIG. 13, for large engines, the
worktool may be relatively long in order to interact with one of
the coupling elements of the engine 400. Due to the length of the
worktool 1060, a significantly high torque is created which the
user must strain against in order to balance and operate the
worktool 1060. As such, the worktool support member 1015 reduces
the torque which is produced by the significant length of the
worktool 1060.
[0070] In one form, the worktool support member 1015 is adjustable.
The worktool support member 1015 allows for the supported worktool
1060 to move toward and/or away from the engine. This movement can
be a slidable movement. The worktool support member 1015 can allow
for sideward movement of the worktool 1060. The worktool support
member 1015 can also be adjusted in elevation such that the
supported worktool 1060 can be adjusted to operate at an adjusted
elevation.
[0071] In one modification, the positionable station may include an
alignment mechanism which, when actuated, aligns a centre point
between pivot points 1095 with the centre of the engine 400. In one
particular form, the alignment mechanism may include a laser device
which is located between pivot points 1095 which projected a laser
beam orthogonally to the axis of frame 1090 and outwardly toward
the vehicular component 400. By aligning the alignment mechanism
with the centre of the vehicular component, actuation of the
rotatable arms 1070 can allow the worktool 1060 to adjacently align
with multiple coupling elements 410 surrounding the vehicular
component 400.
[0072] The rotatable arms 1070 may be adjustable in length, such as
to accommodate varying sized vehicular components 400. In one form,
the arms 1070 may include hydraulic piston and cylinder
arrangements such as to allow adjustment of the length of the arms
1070.
[0073] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be
said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features
referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in
any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or
features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0074] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill
in the art without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *